Dan August Zini

Dan August Zini, of Iron Mountain, MI passed away at the age of 88, on December 31, 2011 at Marquette General Hospital. Dan was born in Caspian, MI, on August 19, 1923, one of 7 siblings and the last to survive. He was married to Claudia Girlando of Chicago, IL in 1946 until she passed away in 1975. In 1977 he married Vicki (Bara) Kiel. Dan and Vicki had been married for 34 years. He is a graduate of Stambaugh High School and obtained his BS and Masters Degree at Northern Michigan University. Dan was a gifted carpenter, working for 20 years as a woodworker and builder prior to becoming a teacher. Dan was employed at Iron Mountain High School for 20 years from 1965 to 1985. He served his students as an industrial arts teacher, developing the only Building Trades Program in Upper MI. which was implemented in 1970. His students experienced first hand his passion for teaching and were able to learn all trades related to building a home from the ground up. He was well respected by his students and recognized for his exceptional teaching, earning the "teacher of the year" award for several years. He served his country as a Corporal in the US Army in World War II, stationed in Japan and the Philippines. He was a Eucharistic Minister at Immaculate Conception Church for many years. Dan was actively involved in the Knights of Columbus as a past Grand Knight, 4th Degree Honor Guard and Faithful Navigator. Dan served his community continually contributing his time and talents. He was an alderman on the city council, serving on several commissions as well as sharing his gifts of woodworking, building, and endless donations of his projects to churches and numerous organizations. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, bocce ball, cribbage, playing cards and never missed watching the Packers. Dan, also known as Dante, dad, grandpa and papa, enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was an amazing storyteller, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Each Christmas he made a special woodworking gift for his children and grandchildren, signed and dated, forever treasured. He was preceded 3 brothers, Raymond, Leno and Ferris Zini, and 3 sisters, Rita Lind, Zara Aldegarie, and Lea DeMillio. Dan is survived by his wife, Vicki; his son, Robin Zini of Gwinn, MI; daughters, Barbara (David) Cronk and Dana Zini, both of San Diego, CA, Maryann (Jim) Ingle of Marquette, MI; and son, Eugene Kiel of Ann Arbor, MI; along with seven grandchildren, Christina Zini (Thierry de Cock Buning), Angela Zini, Jenna Moore, Lauren Bille, Amanda Ingle, Jessica Kiel and Joshua Kiel; and one great granddaughter, Marissa Moore. Dan lived his life to serve others, he had a charitable and Christian heart, a caring spirit and endless energy. He was given the gift of teaching and working with his hands as a woodworker and carpenter which he did with passion and enthusiasm. He touched the lives of many and was well respected by all. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 6th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home. The Knights of Columbus will recite the rosary at 7:00pm Friday evening followed by a time of sharing. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 9:30am at Immaculate Conception Church. Msgr. James Kaczmarek will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Pallbearers will be Don Antonetti, Mike Bennett, Bill McCarty, Mike Taylor, Don Tramontin, and Bill Wiegle. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made in memory of Dan Zini to: Immaculate Conception Church, 500 E. Blaine Street, Iron Mountain, MI, 49801 or U.P. Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association 710 Chippewa Square, #201 Marquette, MI 49855 upperpeninsula@alzgmc.org We have all been blessed to know Dan; he will be greatly missed. Those we love, don't go away, they walk beside us, always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Dan Zini online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.